Marshals task force captures wanted man in Ocala

The U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force apprehended a man late Tuesday who was wanted for the December shooting death of a man in Orlando.

By Austin L. MillerStaff writer

The U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force apprehended a man late Tuesday who was wanted for the December shooting death of a man in Orlando.

Bryon Killins, 19, was captured in southeast Ocala and charged with principle to first-degree murder, accessory after the fact and tampering with physical evidence. Killins was booked into the Marion County Jail with no bond.

Killins' alleged co-defendant, Robert Burton, was arrested in Orlando and is in the Orange County Jail, charged with first-degree murder.

Killins' charges stem from a Dec. 28 shooting at an apartment complex near the Mall at Millenia in Orlando. U.S. Marshal Bryon Carroll, a member of the task force, said officials in Orlando, together with detectives from the Orlando Police Department, developed information that Killins had fled to Ocala after the shooting. They contacted task force officials in Ocala for assistance.

Carroll said they confirmed Killins was in hiding in Marion County, probably hanging out with a friend.

On Tuesday, investigators from the U.S. Marshals Service — including Carroll, Sheriff's Office Detective Donald Buie and personnel from the Alachua County Sheriff's Office and Gainesville Police Department — conducted surveillance at various bus stops in southeast Ocala. Around 5:30 p.m., Killins arrived at the bus stop at 1801 SE 32nd Ave.

Task force members moved in and ordered him and his friend to the ground. Killins was detained and his friend, whose name was not released, was later released.

"The task force is so successful because we combine the breadth of experience of several investigators from several agencies into a single force focused on locating violent fugitives. Killins' attempts to avoid arrest by fleeing Orlando, hiding in Ocala, and using a public bus were unsuccessful because of the hard work of our skilled investigators. Once again, a violent fugitive is no longer roaming our community," Carroll said.

"Congratulations on the continued effort of the U.S. Marshals Service Task Force in removing this violent offender off the streets of Marion County," added Sheriff Chris Blair.